AMOROUS couples have been warned that their lives could be at risk if they don't douse the flames of passion.

The warnings have come from the Fire Brigade Union, which says it fears that the safety of people and drunken or high-spirited bonfire party revellers could also be jeopardised during the firefighters' strike, which is planned to start next week.

Steve Laugher, secretary for the union in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said they were regularly scrambled to help people in trouble when they returned home after drinking.

He said they got into difficulty after returning home and falling asleep while frying food or dropping off to sleep without extinguishing cigarettes properly.

He also warned passionate couples trying to create a romantic atmosphere with lighted candles to be vigilant during the strikes.

"They too could find themselves in trouble by setting fire to their home.

"It may sound amusing, but fire crews do have to help couples who set fire to buildings after lighting candles to create a romantic atmosphere," said the sub-officer, who is based at Worcester's Deansway fire station.

"Sometimes the candles are knocked over and at other times the couple fall asleep while the candles are still burning, causing curtains or combustibles to catch fire.

"Although it doesn't happen on a weekly basis, it is a problem we are seeing happen more and more often, especially in student areas ,so would appeal to anyone using candles to be careful.

"We don't want to ruin everyone's fun, but revellers really must take care not to get into difficulties during the strike as it could have extremely serious consequences for them."

However, he added that it was not just partygoers who need to be diligent during the walkout, which starts on Tuesday.

"I cannot emphasis enough how important it is that everyone takes extreme care and ensures that they are fully prepared in the event of a fire," said Mr Laugher.

"It is vital that smoke alarms work properly and occupants establish an escape route which can be used in the event of a fire."

Government faces winter of discontent

Firefighters' leaders were meeting today to discuss their planned wave of pay strikes which now looks set to go ahead as planned next week, following a bitter clash with the Government.

The Fire Brigade Union accused Ministers of trying to blackmail its members about the level of emergency cover offered during the walkouts.

The Government called on the union to follow TUC guidelines set up after the "winter of discontent" in 1979, aimed at protecting the public during disputes.

But the call appeared to backfire last night, after the TUC General Council issued a statement strongly supporting the firefighters.

Time was running out on any hopes of averting the strikes which will start next Tuesday, November 5, and run until Christmas Eve, for a total of 36 days.

Andy Gilchrist, General Secretary of the FBU, said the Government only had a few days left to try to settle the dispute before lives were put at risk.

"They need to stop morally blackmailing professional firefighters and start genuine talks over pay."

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott yesterday attacked the strikes as "completely unjustified", and said the unions' 40 per cent pay claim was "indefensible".

Mr Prescott and Fire Service Minister Nick Raynsford were today launching a new fire safety campaign to hammer home the message that in the event of a fire, homeowners should "get out and stay out" of their properties and call 999.

The campaign will feature radio and television warnings and maildrops to millions of households and businesses.

The Government's hardline stance appeared to make firefighters more determined to go on strike, and the mood of firemen and women across the country was described as "very strong".

The FBU Executive was meeting later today but no last-minute breakthrough was expected.

Register your firework display

ORGANISERS of bonfire and firework displays throughout the county are being urged to contact Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade.

The National Campaign for Firework Safety has made the plea after firefighters revealed their planned strikes would include Monday, November 4, and Wednesday, November 6.

Event organisers are being encouraged to ask firefighters to carry out a site inspection and discuss plans for their display.

The campaign also advises organisers of events that fall on a day when the firefighters walk out to consider changing the date to one when there is no strike action.

The Evening News yesterday revealed that 60 soldiers and a fleet of Green Goddesses are expected to arrive in Worcester later this week, as firefighters prepare for two 48-hour walkouts and four eight-day strikes in the run-up to Christmas.